A new challenge is emerging on Australia’s construction sites, leaving many seasoned tradies scratching their hard hats.
Generation Z’s distinctive terminology and slang, a linguistic code that defies conventional communication, is putting Aussie apprenticeships under threat.
Site bosses say they have been left struggling to decode their new apprentice’s cryptic communication style, with some joking on-site translators are now needed to interpret their vocabulary of confusing expressions and phrases.
Building industry leaders are calling for senior tradies to become “fluent in gen Z” to help maintain the culture of straightforward communication the construction industry is known for.
Generation Z typically includes those born between 1997 and 2010, the latter end of which has developed an extensive lexicon, leaving Aussie builders bewildered.
For the benefit of work sites everywhere, Build-it has taken a light-hearted look at some common Gen Z phrases and translated them into an archaic language called “plain English” that even the most seasoned tradie can understand.
Build-it’s Gen Z dictionary
“Lit” – is often used to describe anything excellent or exciting. It’s short for “lit up,” meaning something is energetic and fun, like a lively party or a bustling job site.
“Slay” – when someone says they’re going to “slay” a job or task, they mean that they will do it exceptionally well, with flair and confidence.
“Suss” – to “suss out” a situation means to assess it carefully. It can also mean investigating or figuring out the details of something, like a confusing building problem or a tricky customer.
“Fam” – refers to one’s tight-knit group of friends or colleagues, like a family away from home. Gen Zers might use it to refer to people they feel comfortable with on-site.
“Low-key” – means low-pressure or low-stress. It can also mean someone is keeping something under the radar, like a personal situation or a new way of working.
“Flex” – far from referring to a type of exercise, the term “flex” means to show off or demonstrate one’s skills or status. It can be used positively in taking pride in one’s work or negatively, as in boasting or bragging, “stop flexing”.
“Tea” – refers to having insider knowledge and is often used in the context of “spilling the tea”, e.g. revealing workplace gossip or work-related information.
“Sksksk” – can be typed or spoken when something is amusing, akin to laughter. It could be used to show appreciation for a joke or humorous situation on site.
“Let him cook” – to let someone do their thing or to let them handle a task on their own without interference. For example, you might say, “Okay, let him cook, ” indicating that you trust an apprentice to do a task their way.
“Vibe check” – This term is used to assess the mood or atmosphere in a particular situation. For example, if the conversation is tense or hostile, your apprentice might suggest a “vibe check” to try and lighten the mood.
“Rent-free” – if someone is said to be living “rent-free” in your head, it means they’re occupying too much of your mental energy or attention.
“Period” – this emphasises that a statement is final and undebatable, similar to “end of story”. An overzealous Gen Z apprentice might say, “We’re going with that idea, period.”
“Mid” – often used to describe something average or not exceptional. If your apprentice completes a task but doesn’t do it exceptionally well, you might say, “that’s mid.”
“Cap” or “no cap” – this phrase refers to whether something is the truth or not. “cap” means they’re lying, while “no cap” means they’re being honest.
“Bet” – Used to indicate agreement or confirmation. It’s similar to saying “okay” or “got it.”
”Drip” – If someone has “drip,” it means they dress well and have good fashion. For example, if your new high-vis vest is exceptionally stylish, an apprentice might say, “Nice drip!”
Why communication is key to successful apprenticeships
Effective communication on construction sites isn’t just about camaraderie.
When senior tradies need help understanding their Gen Z apprentices, mistakes can happen, jeopardising work quality and wellbeing.
If a Gen Z apprentice uses slang you don’t understand, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification. Most will appreciate your effort to understand them, and the interjection will prevent them from using such informal terminology in the future.
Spending more time engaging with younger apprentices in casual conversations is another way to pick up on slang and cultural references, and the bonding might help boost their productivity.
Meanwhile, those in a senior position, such as a site manager or experienced tradie, can set the tone for effective communication where it matters most by using clear and concise language in environments where safety and attention to detail are paramount.
While “bridging the Gen Z slang gap” is vital for construction colleagues of all ages to communicate effectively, it’s equally important to have a sense of humour and be open to new ways of expressing ourselves.
You might even impress your younger counterparts with your newfound slang skills!
